Gov. Walker on a mission to create 250,000 jobs during his first term

WAUWATOSA -- Gov. Scott Walker says job creation is his top priority, but can he reach his goal of creating 250,000 jobs in four years?

In 2010, Gov. Walker was elected to serve as Wisconsin's governor, and it was a call from Gov. Walker to Bostik's Paris headquarters that convinced the company to stay in Wauwatosa.

"The work that Gov. Walker has done to bring business to Wisconsin -- they're changing the business climate. It's not about the tax benefits. We could have gotten the money from anywhere," Bostik President Bob Marquette said.

Bostik makes adhesives for everything from diapers to candy wrappers, carpet and bathroom tiles. The company is currently hiring 80 people, from marketing specialists to scientists.

Gov. Walker campaigned in 2010 on a promise to help the state create 250,000 new jobs during his first term. Halfway through, he says fewer than 100,000 jobs have been created, but he's sticking to the goal. 

"It's going to be tough -- no doubt about it," Gov. Walker said.

Democrats, like state Representative Christine Sinicki of Milwaukee dispute Gov. Walker's jobs claim, and say his policies have been divisive and disruptive.

"The only way he can reach that goal is to create fictitious jobs, such as he did last summer," Rep. Sinicki said.

The influential Forbes list of the "Best States To Do Business" ranks Wisconsin at 42 -- just eight spots from the bottom. 

Still, Bostik's president says he believes under Gov. Walker, things are changing.

"The direction this state is going made us want to be here," Marquette said.